Bill Webb Appointed as New Councill in Terrace Bay

Terrace Bay Council met on Monday, September 15, 2025, with a new face at the table. Bill Webb was officially appointed as the newest councillor during a special meeting held earlier in the day, filling the vacancy left after longtime councillor Bert Johnson retired this past summer. Webb attended his first council session, joining colleagues in discussions on several pressing community matters.

One of the meeting’s main topics was the discovery of significant rot and water damage at the Tourist Information Center. The building was undergoing a routine roof replacement originally contracted to Northern Sheet Metal. However, once work began, crews uncovered extensive decay affecting both the roof deck and the walls. The damage is severe, and repairs are expected to be extensive and costly. Council now faces a challenging decision: either invest immediately in the necessary repairs or temporarily seal the building for the winter while seeking additional grant funding. The Tourist Information Center is not only a hub for seasonal employment but also provides two public washrooms, which are scarce in the community, making its future a high-priority concern for residents and visitors alike.

Also on the agenda, the fire department presented a detailed report on the growing challenges of training volunteer firefighters under updated provincial legislation. With the current pay structure unable to cover lost wages and travel expenses, it has become increasingly difficult to ensure existing members are trained to the new standards and to attract new recruits. To address this, the department is exploring early discussions with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office and neighboring communities—including Schreiber, Nipigon, and Marathon—to establish the North Shore Rural Training Center. This initiative would significantly reduce training costs, allow firefighters to gain certification locally, and help maintain a strong volunteer force. Currently, 18 of the department’s 26 members have been trained to the new standard, highlighting both progress and the need for continued support.

After thorough discussion and passing all bylaws on the agenda, council adjourned until next month, leaving residents eager for updates on both the Tourist Information Center and the proposed training initiatives for local firefighters.